National POW/MIA Recognition Day, 2005
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
In every generation, members of our Armed Forces have answered the
call of service in our Nation's hour of need. These patriots have
defended our freedom and way of life, triumphed over brutal enemies, and
answered the prayers of millions. On National POW/MIA Recognition Day,
we honor the Americans who have been prisoners of war and recognize them
for enduring unimaginable hardships while serving in military conflicts
around the globe. We also remember those who are still missing in
action, and we renew our commitment to keep searching until we have
accounted for every Soldier, Sailor, Airman, and Marine missing in the
line of duty.
On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, the flag of the National League
of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia is flown
over the White House, the Capitol, the Departments of State, Defense,
and Veterans Affairs, the Selective Service System Headquarters, the
National Vietnam Veterans and Korean War Veterans Memorials, U.S.
Military Installations, national cemeteries, and other locations across
our country. The flag is a reminder of our continued commitment to those
brave patriots imprisoned while serving in conflicts around the world
and of our pledge to continue to achieve the fullest possible accounting
for all our men and women in uniform who are still missing. Americans
are blessed with the freedom made possible by the service and sacrifice
of so many. On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, our entire Nation
honors and pays special tribute to our prisoners of war and those who
remain missing.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Friday, September 16,
2005, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. I call upon the people of the
United States to join me in saluting all American POWs and those missing
in action who valiantly served our country. I call upon Federal, State,
and local government officials and private organizations to observe this
day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirtieth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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